You need to download this iOS 18 update as soon as possible if you are not using iOS 26

Apple made an unusual decision on Wednesday, April 1, and released a new version of iOS 18.7.7 To combat a new hacking toolkit called DarkSword. Now, more devices, e.g iPhone 16ethey can download the update to protect themselves from the toolkit without having to update to it iOS 26. This update was only available on iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone Models when originally released on March 24.

To download iOS 18.7.7, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If the update is available on your device, you should see a prompt to download and install it.

“We’ve enabled iOS 18.7.7 to be available for more devices on April 1, 2026, so users with automatic updates turned on can automatically receive important security protections from DarkSword web attacks.” apple He wrote in notes about vulnerabilities in the update.

Apple’s decision to release this update is strange because the company usually recommends updating your device to the latest version of iOS to get the most protection, rather than releasing an update to an older version. But the company still recommends people download iOS 26 to protect their devices from DarkSword.

“If possible, update to the latest version of iOS 26, which has the strongest security protections.” apple books.

About a fifth of iPhones from the past four years are still running iOS 18, according to Apple’s private data. This means that these devices are vulnerable to a DarkSword attack, which can access data on your device, such as your messages and cryptocurrency wallets.

DarkSword attacks appear to be limited to people outside the United States, specifically in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Ukraine, according to Google Threat Intelligence Suite. but TechCrunch I found the toolkit publicly available on GitHub. So it may be easier for malicious actors to deploy DarkSword.

“The public availability of this kit is extremely worrying given the large number of remaining active vulnerable devices,” said Christoph Hebesen, director of security intelligence research at Lookout. CNET’s Caitlin Chedraoui said. “Opportunistic attacks using these exploit tools appear to be very likely.”

So, if you can’t update to iOS 26 because your device doesn’t support it — or because you just don’t want to update to the latest version — you should download iOS 18.7.7 now. Seriously, please do this. And if your phone doesn’t support iOS 18, Apple suggests that Lock mode To keep your device safe.

For more iOS news, here’s what to know about it iOS 26.4 And all iOS 26 tips and tricks now.